Nursing Commons^™

Guest Editorial, Phyllis Ann Solari-Twadell Phd, Rn, Mpa, Faan

International Journal of Faith Community Nursing

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Perception Of Pediatric Readiness Across A Health System's Emergency Departments, Rebekah L. Sabo

Doctoral Dissertations & Projects

The recent pandemic and pediatric respiratory syncytial virus surge have reinvigorated pediatric care readiness conversations. National strategies and associations exist to guide health systems in improving the quality of emergency care offered to pediatric populations by first assessing readiness for care. These research strategies center on survey implementation and staff engagement in general emergency departments with the goal to improve staff readiness to care for pediatric patients that may present for treatment. What impact would developing a consolidated pediatric readiness program that includes: pediatric emergency care coordinator designation for each emergency department, pediatric readiness education and committee engagement have on …

Effects Of Adverse Childhood Experiences On Predicting Patient Pain Outcomes Later In Life, Melissa Lowry

Honors Scholar Theses

For centuries, pain and pain management has been a driving force in the world of healthcare. Industries continue to strive for a deeper understanding of the mechanisms behind pain sensitivities as well as the best interventions available to overcome these mechanisms. While many of the underlying mechanisms remain unclear, recent research suggests a possible correlation between one’s personal experiences early in life and their perceptions of pain later in adulthood. The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Questionnaire, designed and published in 1998, consists of 10 measures of childhood trauma that can inform healthcare providers of individuals who may require trauma-informed care …

The Effect Of Nurse Staffing On Patients Perceived Care, Jenna Racey, Victoria Newman, Erin Wojtkowski, Jillian Crews

Student Scholar Showcase

In discharged patients, how do fully staffed units compared with short-staffed units affect patient satisfaction levels during their inpatient experience? From the literature review, it was found that as nurse staffing declined, so did the patient-perceived quality of care and their loyalty to the respective hospitals. Also, as the percentage of assistant nurses to registered nurses increased, the patients reported poor care and decreased nursing guidance. While more research is needed on this prevalent issue, a recommendation of how nurse staffing issues could be changed is to increase nurse staffing visibility, especially in units with poor reported patient outcomes in …

Protocols For Postpartum Hemorrhage, Nicole A. Mitchell, Wilbur Greene, Samantha Claxton, Lydia Lester

Student Scholar Showcase

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the protocols for postpartum hemorrhage and lack of implementation, how race may play a role in care, the different effect on maternal lives; physically and mentally, and more effective treatment options. Many women all over the world struggle with postpartum hemorrhaging as it is a life-threatening complication that can follow giving birth. There are standard protocols set in place for different facilities that relay how the healthcare professionals should act in that situation. The PICOT question, “In child-bearing women, how do protocols for postpartum hemorrhage compared with a lack …

Evidenced-Based Strategies To Increase Cervical Cancer Screening Rates, Tuong Cat Vo Bsn-Rn, Nada Salloukh Bsn-Rn, Tatiana Elena Swanson Bsn-Rn, Xiao Mie Cindy Zhu Bsn-Rn, Laura Taylor Reed Dnp, Aprn, Fnp-Bc

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background

Cervical cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer affecting women worldwide (Staley et al., 2021). With cervical cancer being a preventable disease, an effective method of reducing healthcare costs and mortality is primary prevention, such as screenings. Financial burdens and barriers to accessing medical care may result due to the lack of proper cervical cancer screenings. Detecting cervical cancer includes screening women 21 to 65 years old with a Papanicolaou (PAP) test every three years. Women aged 30 to 65 years old can extend the screening of cervical cancer by having a Human Papillomavirus (HPV) test along with …

Reducing Hospital-Acquired Pressure Injuries In Patients With Darker Pigmented Skin, Mafe Chase

Articles, Abstracts, and Reports

No abstract provided.

Effects Of An Innovative Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Educational Method On Nurses' Competency And Confidence, Claudia C. Sabogal-Rodriguez

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Despite advances in resuscitation science, sudden cardiac arrest remains a leading cause of death in the United States, with substandard intra-hospital survival to discharge rates. High-quality resuscitation skills for nurses are needed, including effective CPR education. This study aimed to close the gap in the understanding of the relationship between competence and confidence after the use of the low-dose, high-frequency educational method using a sample of nurses. The Modified Basic Resuscitation Skills Self-Efficacy Scale was used to measure confidence, and the Resuscitation Quality Improvement program measured competence. The study used a four-independent group, cross-sectional correlational research design with different exposure …

Ensnared Care: How Restrictive Healthcare Laws Impact Mothers, Mckenzie Richards

School of Public Policy Capstones

Do restrictive healthcare policies impact whether expectant mothers receive adequate prenatal care? Could such policies also affect access to alternative birthing options for delivery? Through a literature review and a two-way fixed effects model using panel data, this study investigates two categories of state-level restrictive healthcare policies: scope of practice laws and certificate of need laws. The literature demonstrates the detriments of scope of practice care on access to care and maternal health. However, the statistical models presented on scope of practice find no relationship between scope of practice laws and adequate prenatal care or alternative birthing options. Though the …

Nurse Initiated Sepsis Protocol In The Emergency Department Setting, Madilyn Siuta, Michelle Kaulback

Nursing Student Work

Sepsis affects hundreds of millions of patients across the world within various healthcare settings. Sepsis protocols vary between health systems and institutions which can lead to the lack of prompt client intervention. Each one hour delay in administration of antibiotics is associated with an 8% decrease in survival (Rhodes et al., 2017). The vision for this project is to explore the potential benefits of implementing a standardized national sepsis protocol. For this EBP project a PICO question was formulated. In adult patients presenting to the emergency room with suspected sepsis, how does a standardized international nurse lead sepsis screening protocol, …

Lived Experiences Of New Graduate Nurses Transitioning To The Emergency Department: A Transcendental Phenomenological Approach, Donnie E. Johnson Jr.

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The transition to practice period is a challenging time for all new graduate nurses. It is well documented that the emergency department is a challenging environment. Due to multiple factors, the specialty areas including the emergency department (ED) are hiring more new graduate nurses to fill the open positions. There is a gap in the literature concerning the transition experiences of new graduate nurses to the emergency department. The purpose of this qualitative, transcendental, phenomenological study is to understand the transition to practice experience of new graduate nurses in the ED in a teaching hospital in eastern North Carolina. The …

The Effect Of Having A Higher Percentage Of Better-Educated Nurses At A Bsn Prepared Educational Level Or Higher In Any Clinical Setting To Improve Patient Outcomes, Olusegun Michael Nutayi

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

An understanding of the complexity of today’s healthcare system is important for providing the best evidence-based practice care in any clinical setting. Nursing care is paramount in today’s healthcare setting including nursing education, the nursing skills, knowledge, and productivity that can enhance patient overall care. This scholarly project put forth the effects of having vibrant and productive nursing care that will improve patient outcomes. It focuses on linking nursing education to better patient outcomes in any clinical setting as well as looking into the understanding of nursing staffing, and the work environment associated with patient outcomes. This scholarly project intends …

The Effectiveness Of Integrating Religious/Spirituality Beliefs Into Psychotherapy: An Integrative Review, Justina Anighoro-Okezie

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This comprehensive review explores how integrating religious beliefs into psychotherapy impacts mental health outcomes. Following a structured approach guided by Whittemore and Knafl's (Nov 2005) methodology, the review involves a systematic literature search across academic databases, identifying 25 studies with diverse methods. Results indicate significant enhancements in both psychological and spiritual outcomes when religious beliefs are integrated into psychotherapy, compared to no-treatment control conditions. Compared to alternate treatments, adapted psychotherapy demonstrates a small to medium effect. Particularly in an additive design, while there's no significant superiority in psychological outcomes, there is in spiritual outcomes, emphasizing the potential benefits of incorporating …

The Lived Experiences Of Student Nurses During Simulation Of Perinatal Loss, Paloma Alejandra Peña

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand the experiences and perceptions of undergraduate nursing students in providing care following a perinatal loss simulation. The theories that guided this study included Malcolm Knowles’ Theory of Andragogy and the National League for Nursing Jeffries Simulation. The selected theories provide structure for adult learners’ need to experience situational learning activities that are relevant to their job while building upon the foundation of students’ knowledge. Incorporation of Knowles’ and Jeffries’ theories guides the qualitative study of the simulation of a perinatal loss and the experiences of nursing students in providing care during …

A Strategic Plan For The Development Of A Model Of Care For Post Operative Bariatric Patients In Rural Utah, Cris R. Chamberlain

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The delivery of health care for postoperative bariatric patients remains a challenge in rural settings, often leading to varied patient outcomes and inefficient resource allocation. This study aims to develop and implement a strategic model of care for postoperative bariatric patients at Castleview Hospital in Rural Utah. Grounded in the Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice, this initiative focuses on creating a cohesive and comprehensive postoperative care pathway, tailored to the unique patient demographics and facility constraints of a 39-bed hospital serving 35-45 bariatric patients annually. Methodology includes ethical considerations, secured through CITI training and pending IRB approval, robust data collection …

The Impact Of Christian Education On Undergraduate Nursing Students’ Levels Of Spirituality And Resiliency, Lynette Rae Fair

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Nursing education must focus on preparing nursing students to be adaptable and resilient in the face of changing circumstances. The problem is there is a lack of research studies focused on evaluating the effect of a Christian college/education setting on nursing students’ level of spirituality and resilience. The purpose of this quantitative comparative study was to examine the differences between Christian and non-faith-based pre-licensure baccalaureate nursing education programs for spirituality and resiliency. This descriptive, non-experimental, cross-sectional comparative study utilized two key self-report instruments: the Assessment of Spirituality and Religious Sentiments (ASPIRES) and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC). Data collection occurred …

Provider Education And Nicotine Cessation: An Evidence-Based Practice Project, Madison Riley-Glenn

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Nearly 3.08 million U.S. middle and high school students use some form of nicotine. Additionally, it was estimated that 28.3 million adults in the United States smoke cigarettes. Current prescribers lack the comprehensive knowledge that is involved with nicotine cessation therapy. Nicotine addiction is recognized as a complex disease process, but instrumental opportunities exist to help patients quit this addictive substance. Providers were educated on nicotine cessation modalities that varied from pharmacotherapies to non-pharmacotherapy options. The project implemented an educational intervention for providers at two primary care offices, increasing confidence in providing patients with the best cessation therapy. A pretest …

Educating Outpatient Clinic Nurses In The Management Of Diabetes, Deborah O. Yisa

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Diabetes mellitus must be carefully managed and cared for to reduce complications and enhance quality of life. Nurses are essential to the treatment of people with diabetes, so they must have up- to-date knowledge and expertise in diabetic education. The significance of diabetic education for nurses, its effect on patient outcomes, and techniques for boosting nurses' competency in diabetes care are critical to positive patient outcomes and are all explored in this academic research. The results suggest a notable disparity between the participants' knowledge ratings before and after the intervention, confirming that all 13 participants benefited from the diabetic self-management …

Lai Antipsychotics Vs. Oral Antipsychotics: Treatment Adherence, Relapses, And Readmissions, Natalie N. Lewis Bsn, Rn, Mallory F. Johnson Bsn, Rn-Bc, Tyler N. Halle-Todd Bsn, Rn, Natalie N. Ragland Bsn, Rn, Sharon H. Little Dnp, Aprn, Fnp-Bc, Jacqueline Sharp Dnp, Aprn,Pmhnp-Bc

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background

Schizophrenia is a lifelong illness with recurrent and often debilitating symptoms that may impair daily functioning, cognition, behaviors, socialization, emotions, and expression. It is recognized as a global mental health burden that affects the individual, their family, and society. Medication nonadherence and resulting relapse detrimentally affect the patient’s physical and mental health and quality of life. They are associated with increased hospitalization and emergency room visits, substance use, suicide, and homelessness. Current guidelines endorse second-generation antipsychotics such as Risperidone and Aripiprazole as the first-line treatment for most cases of psychosis. However, long-acting injectable (LAIs) atypical antipsychotics are a promising …

Implementing The Phq-9 Tool To As A Standard Of Practice In A Mental Health Setting: A Quality Improvement Project, Gabriella Laferriere

DNP Projects

The objective of this project was to implement the Patient Health Questionaire-9 (PHQ-9) tool as a standardized protocol for depression screening on patients being treated at an outpatient mental health facility in Central Connecticut, where there was no depression screening protocol in place. The clinical question being asked was, is there any correlation between use of the PHQ-9 tool and changes being made to a patient’s depression treatment plan?

Methods: A data collection form was completed by the psychiatric nurse practitioner on each patient who met the following criteria: Depression and/or anxiety was the patient’s primary diagnosis and patient was …

Playing It Sun Safe: A Quality Improvement Project, Sarah P. Tarr, Kathryn K. Dambrino, R. David Phillippi, Ashley Karpinos

DNP Projects

Background: Athletes who play outdoor sports have multiple risk factors for the development of skin cancer. Literature highlights the need for the use of evidence-based strategies to improve the knowledge and utilization of sun protection practices in this high-risk population. Methods: Playing it Sun Safe was a multifaceted skin cancer prevention initiative implemented in a population of collegiate soccer athletes in collaboration with a university athletic department and campus health clinic. Evidence-based interventions were designed through application of the Health Belief Model (HBM) and were implemented using the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) quality improvement framework. Purpose: The two-fold aim …

The Impact Of Patient And Provider Education On Statin Therapy Initiation And Adherence In Type Ii Diabetics, Jane Harlan Bsn-Rn, Lindsey Jacobsen Bsn-Rn, Emily Easterly Bsn-Rn, Mitch King Bsn-Rn, Laura Reed Dnp, Aprn, Fnp-Bc, Cne

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a common, chronic disease that increases the risk of coronary artery disease and stroke fourfold, which makes protecting cardiac function a priority. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) and American Heart Association (AHA) recommend the prescription of statins to reduce cardiovascular complications. Unfortunately, provider and patient adherence to this recommendation is poor.This study aimed to determine if shared-decision making and patient follow-up within a 6 month period of being newly diagnosed with T2D has an effect on the initiation rate of statin therapy.

Methods

In this retrospective study we requested data from the University …

The Role Of Occupational Therapy In The Recognition, Assessment, And Treatment Of Presbyvestibulopathy, Jennifer Hill, Ellen Hudgins, Sharon Leonard

Articles, Abstracts, and Reports

No abstract provided.

Implementing Directed Security Rounding With The Brøset Violence Checklist: A Quality Improvement Project, Jacqueline Ortiz

DNP Projects

Significance and Background: Violence against healthcare workers is an international issue. The rates of workplace violence (WPV) have been steadily increasing over the last few years. The practice setting implemented the use of the Brøset Violence Checklist (BVC) system-wide in July 2022, following the Joint Commission’s new standards for WPV prevention. The BVC is a checklist of six behaviors (confusion, irritability, boisterousness, physical threats, verbal threats, and attacking objects) that the nurses score as a 1 (present) or 0 (absent), and the higher the sum of the scores the greater the risk of violence. A score of three or greater …

A Dnp Project: Improving Clinical Alarm Management Through An Alarm Management Bundle: A Quality Improvement Project, Mary I. Alejo

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

The purpose is to increase nurses' perception toward clinical alarm management by implementing an alarm management bundle and educational skills in a Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU). The project was implemented in a 31- bed CVICU at a teaching facility in the Texas Medical Center. The Plan-Do-Study-Act was the chosen quality improvement model for the DNP project. Paper-based surveys were used to assess baseline data on competency and confidence levels of alarm management on the Philips monitor with the Healthcare Technology Foundation (HTF) Survey and the Nurse Competence on Philips Physiologic Monitors Use Survey. Active rounds were conducted to ensure …

African American Women’S Perceptions Of A Group Based, Diabetic Medical Nutritional Therapy Intervention: A Qualitative Study, Megan Mcmahon, Laura Gray

DNP Projects

Background: African American women exhibit lower rates of attaining recommended diabetes management goals such as optimal blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure numbers compared to other racial and gender groups. As a result, they bear a disproportionate burden of the adverse outcomes associated with poorly managed type 2 diabetes, including increased complications and mortality rates compared to other demographic groups. Despite favorable qualitative findings regarding group-based interventions for African American women with other chronic diseases, a notable gap in the literature exists regarding the women’s perceptions of a group-based medical nutritional therapy tailored to type 2 diabetes. Purpose: This scholarly …

The Experiences Of Staff Nurses Who Remained In Their Permanent Positions During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Huifang Cheng

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Amidst the persistent shortage of practicing nurses in the nursing profession, exacerbated by the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, this study investigates the experiences of permanent staff nurses during the pandemic, with a specific focus on the factors influencing their decision to remain in their roles despite the adversities. Employing a phenomenological approach, in-depth interviews were conducted with thirteen permanent staff nurses to explore the intricacies of their experiences. Throughout the pandemic, the participants encountered profound ethical dilemmas. However, their determination to persist was fueled by a sense of professional duty, solidarity within their professional community, and deep camaraderie …

Optimization Of A Push Notification System To Improve First Case Delays: A Quality Improvement Project, Chelsea Secondino, Samantha Tortora

DNP Projects

Background

Delayed first case on time starts (FCOTS) in the operating room (OR) have a trickle-down effect throughout the day leading to wasted resources, patient dissatisfaction, and healthcare staff stress and burnout. In the local practice setting the mean FCOTS was 65%, well below the national target of 83%. Surgeons being late and missing electronic health record documentation were the most common reasons for delays. A push notification system had been implemented to improve FCOTS however few surgeons and nurses were using this technology.

Project Goals

1. Develop a process and training for a push notification system for surgeons and nurses. …

Increasing Safety In Electric Scooter Users, Hyrum Prestwich, Blaine Winters, Daphne Thomas, Sheri Tesseyman, Michael Robinson

Student Works

Background: Electric scooters (e-scooters) have become a common form of transportation for many people in recent years. As e-scooter use has increased, so have injuries associated with accidents. Safety measures must be implemented and shared with communities to increase safe behavior and prevent injuries. This project aimed to increase safe e-scooter behaviors among Brigham Young University (BYU) students. Methods: We created a brief safety video focusing on behaviors associated with e-scooter injury prevention. A convenience sample of BYU students participated in the online survey and safety video. A pre-and post-survey was used to assess demographics, previous e-scooter use, intention …

Effect Of Certified Diabetes Clinical Education Specialists On Adults With Type 2 Diabetes, Rachel Faller, Tracy Gregory, Michelle Jones, Peyton Barnett, Laura Reed Dnp, Aprn, Fnp-Bc, Cne

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Purpose/Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus affects 13.1% of adults living in Shelby County and over 30 million adults in the United States. This chronic disease creates a higher risk of macrovascular and microvascular complications for this population resulting in poor outcomes if not properly managed. Improving glycemic control can help to improve the quality of life for people living with diabetes and reduce healthcare costs. Currently 20% of funds spent in the United States on healthcare is utilized for diabetic care. Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (CDCES) primarily educate patients about managing their diabetes, including health promotion that can …